On Tuesday, December 3, the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Firefighters Association reached a tentative agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program under the Fire Department.
The agreement will enable the City to hire MedStar’s current emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics into the Fort Worth Fire Department. MedStar currently provides ambulance services across Tarrant County.
“This agreement marks a turning point in creating an EMS system for Fort Worth and the cities that will receive services through the EMS system,” said Dana Burghdoff, Fort Worth assistant city manager. “It’s all about creating stability, improving working conditions, and providing top-notch emergency care to our community.”
Transition Plan
Discussions about strengthening Fort Worth’s EMS system have been ongoing for years, with leaders prioritizing a unified approach to emergency response by consolidating fire and medical services under one department. The City Council approved the initial transition plan in May 2024, aiming to create a financially sustainable, responsive, and high-quality EMS system.
Key provisions in the draft agreement include:
- Civil Service status for EMS and telecommunicator employees.
- Enhanced pay and benefits.
- Transparent hiring and promotion processes.
A City Council work session is scheduled for January 14, 2025, followed by a final vote on January 28. If approved, the new EMS program will focus on improving emergency response times and patient care for Fort Worth residents and visitors.
